"I am challenged and learn new things every day"

What do you do at work?

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The question has no short and simple answer, largely because it varies greatly from day to day, or project to project. But to try to cover most of it, we can say that we help companies optimise their trade and customs strategy, and take advantage of opportunities such as free trade agreements where many importing companies can find significant savings. We also identify risks with the current management that could lead to higher costs in the future and even offences in the worst case scenario. Last but not least, we consult companies and even countries on how to deal with the ever-changing international environment.

I enjoy my role very much, and feel great appreciation for the trust I receive, and the projects I get to help run. It feels very inspiring and fun to be thrown into the hot air and directly take great responsibility towards the customer in all parts of a project. When it comes to the projects, they start by first and foremost understanding the customer's problem and presenting/selling if and how our expertise can create value. The next steps vary depending on the project and customer. For example, it may involve implementing a previously recommended strategy, working very closely with the customer to put processes and procedures in place. But it can also be a deep dive into the data to identify and recommend strategies that lead to cost savings. Finally, the part with delivery comes in, where we compile everything depending on the type of case, presenting our analysis and recommendations in a report or PowerPoint.

It is an everyday life with variety and constant challenges where you learn new things all the time and there is probably no short answer to what I do, but for those who are curious, you can contact me on Linkedin or send me an email and I will be happy to tell you more.

How did you get your job?
I slid into the DM on Linkedin! To be honest, that's basically what I did. I wrote to my boss and expressed my interest in the company on Linkedin. I managed to get a digital interview which I did during the exchange in Hong Kong. Then there was a physical interview on site here in Gothenburg with cases linked to the role as a consultant. And then I got an offer to start. So far from an ordinary traditional job search via an advert.

How was the transition from studies to working life?
It was generally good but challenging. I was very eager to start working after my Bachelor's degree and was excited to try something completely new. My role as a consultant involves a lot of responsibility and free rein, which initially felt different. In school, you usually only have yourself to answer for, but with work comes an expectation to continuously perform on behalf of the company and the customer. But it goes very quickly before you adapt. For me, it was great to feel that I was starting to move forward in my career.

How has your programme at the School helped you in your career?
It has allowed me to work in an international environment. Both with international lecturers and students at Handelshögskolan, but mainly through the exchange semester. This has given me better conditions to succeed in the international environment I work in today. Both internally, where our team is spread all over the world, with everything from Tokyo and Singapore to Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Copenhagen, but above all in the work with our customers who are facing challenges all over the world.

I have also benefited greatly from the overall understanding you get from all the courses in the programme. You take so many courses that give you a broad understanding of business, international trade, strategies, finance and everything in between, which is a privilege to get so early in your career.

Finally, I appreciate the School's anchoring in the business community, with everything from assignments and cases to GADDEN and Rekon, which I now see as incredibly valuable. It opened up great opportunities for networking and an insight into what is happening on "the other side". But it is also this part that I wanted even more of as a student, to have attractive employers who show up at the School. Not only through fairs but also during courses and the like.

Do you have any examples of soft skills that you developed or practiced during your time at the School?
Something that I had the opportunity to develop during my time at Handelshögskolan was my analytical ability. Much of what I take with me is about approaches to problem-solving. Even if all the models and theories you read about are not used daily at work, I think it creates a good foundation in how to "simplify the world" and make it a little more understandable. You have thus received good tools to "learn how to learn". Sounds cliché, but it is actually true.

How did you reason when choosing your specialisation?

1. What I want to work with in the future - career opportunities

2. most interesting courses

3. The freedom of choice of city/country during the exchange semester T5

Do you have any tips or advice for current students?

• A boring but honest answer is... the Office package. You can go a long way by being sharp in PowerPoint and Excel. Then it doesn't hurt to try to master Power BI or Power Automate.
   
• Network! Dare to talk to companies, alumni, and all the people from the business community who are around the School. Gadden and Rekon are great opportunities!
   
• Go on an exchange! And preferably to a place that you won't be able to go to over a weekend. Maybe Hong Kong?
   
• Enjoy the freedom that comes with student life!
   
• Find great friends! They are by far the best thing I take away from School.